Breadth Thrusts & Bread Crusts: Farmer’s Market Timing

JC Parets
May 14, 2021

From the desk of Willie Delwiche.

I planted most of the vegetables for the garden over the past couple of weeks. Seeds and seedlings. Neat rows and clustered groups. Into the raised beds they went.  

I don't know what the day to day (or week to week) fluctuations in the weather will be. But I do know that it is (finally) Spring. Planting as the air temperature rises and our daylight hours expand increases the likelihood of a bountiful garden later this summer. Leafy greens (kale, arugula, chard) were the first into the soil. They can withstand cooler temperatures than the cucumbers, peppers and tomatoes.

As a gardener, I have some understanding of the underlying trends and conditions that guide the seasons. Plant too soon and a late frost will kill off tender seedlings. Plant too late and the summer heat will sap the strength of plants without well-developed root systems. 

It's about knowing the growing environment, managing temperature risks and finding opportunities to increase vegetable production.

Some might dismiss this as a farmer’s market timing. I call it prudent.

If we took the approach to gardening that is encouraged in many parts of the investing world, we would look at the average temperature throughout the year, find plants that could grow under those conditions, and put the same number of seeds in the ground every month. 

If that sounds ridiculous, it is. Gardeners understand seasons and cycles. Investors should as well. 

The work isn't done just because the seeds and seedlings are in the ground. There will be times for weeding, thinning, and watering as the growing season progresses. The timing of this will depend on conditions. Take watering, for example. I cannot rely on how much rain we tend to get. I need to keep an eye on the ground and on the plants. If things are dry,  I'll get out the hose.

Whether it's investing or gardening, we all want to enjoy a harvest at the end of the season. Being prepared and putting in the work at the right time is all part of the process. 

 

 

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